While Walt Disney World remains closed during this unprecedented health emergency, members of the resort’s horticulture staff have worked to keep the parks and resorts ready for an eventual reopening. However as there is no need to decorate for Easter, they found new homes for 200 beautiful lilies where they will be appreciated.
The Easter Lilies have all been delivered to local seniors along with their Meals on Wheels deliveries.
According to Disney, the idea for this donation came from a member of Disney’s horticultural team, Michelle Giger Rohrmann, who manages the nursery where the flowers were grown. Michelle and her team understood that the lilies intended for springtime decorations could brighten the lives of those who are extra isolated right now via social distancing.
Disney donated the Easter Lilies to the Osceola Council on Aging and added to Meals on Wheels deliveries near Walt Disney World.
While reflecting on her team’s efforts, Michelle said, “I’m glad that they are able to be enjoyed by these folks. I hope this will be a bright spot in their day.”
“To me, the lily is really symbolic of springtime – after a long, hard winter, the first thing to pop up is a lily. It’s a good representation of how we’ll come out of this together. We’ll pull through this. Better days are on their way,” added Michelle.
What a fantastic solution for these plants that otherwise would have gone unnoticed in empty parks and resorts.
We feel the same way about flowers of spring being a sign of renewal. Only this year it is about renewing our commitment to flattening the curve and stopping the spread by staying at home. Then one day, we can all enjoy nature’s pixie dust curated by the Horticulture Cast Members at Disney’s parks and resorts together again.
We’d all like that.